[Federal Register Volume 74, Number 24 (Friday, February 6, 2009)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 6343-6344]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E9-2705]



[[Page 6341]]

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Part II





The President





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Proclamation 8344--American Heart Month, 2009



Proclamation 8345--National African American History Month, 2009



Memorandum of February 4, 2009--State Children's Health Insurance 
Program



Notice of February 4, 2009--Continuation of the National Emergency with 
Respect to the Situation In or In Relation to C[ocirc]te d'Ivoire
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  Federal Register / Vol. 74, No. 24 / Friday, February 6, 2009 / 
Presidential Documents  

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 Title 3--
 The President

[[Page 6343]]

                Proclamation 8344 of February 2, 2009

                
American Heart Month, 2009

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                 Together, we can turn the tide on the number one 
                killer of American women and men. Heart disease claims 
                more lives each year than all forms of cancer combined. 
                During American Heart Month, we renew our commitment to 
                promoting heart disease awareness. It is never too late 
                to start protecting heart health.

                 Certain risk factors can lead to heart disease. These 
                include: high blood pressure, high cholesterol, 
                obesity, physical inactivity, smoking, and diabetes. 
                Practicing the following ``Big Four'' habits can help 
                mitigate these risks: eating a heart healthy diet, 
                getting regular physical activity, maintaining a 
                healthy weight, and avoiding tobacco. Unfortunately, 
                only 3 percent of U.S. adults practice all of these 
                habits. As a Nation, we must work to increase that 
                number.

                 Forming these healthy habits does not have to be 
                difficult: Setting realistic goals, making gradual 
                improvements, and inviting family and friends to join 
                in this pursuit can lead to a healthier lifestyle. 
                Above all, we must remember that taking action can mean 
                a longer, healthier, and more enjoyable life.

                 Michelle and I especially encourage women to take 
                heart health seriously. More women than men die of 
                heart disease each year, and many women fail to make 
                the connection between risk factors and their personal 
                risk of developing heart disease. The Federal 
                Government's The Heart Truth campaign gives women a 
                personal and urgent wake-up call about their risk for 
                heart disease. On the first Friday in February, The 
                Heart Truth will lead the Nation in celebrating 
                National Wear Red Day to promote heart disease 
                awareness. All Americans are encouraged to wear red or 
                the Red Dress Pin--the national symbol for women and 
                heart disease awareness--to show support for adopting 
                the Big Four heart health lifestyle habits. This year 
                on National Wear Red Day, we urge all Americans to 
                practice the ``Big Four'' healthy habits for reducing 
                heart disease risk.

                 During American Heart Month, we also honor the health 
                professionals, researchers, and other heart health 
                ambassadors whose efforts help all Americans lead 
                longer and healthier lives.

                 In acknowledgement of the importance of the ongoing 
                fight against cardiovascular disease, the Congress, by 
                Joint Resolution approved December 30, 1963, as amended 
                (77 Stat. 843; 36 U.S.C. 101), has requested that the 
                President issue an annual proclamation designating 
                February as ``American Heart Month.''

                 NOW, THEREFORE, I, BARACK OBAMA, President of the 
                United States of America, do hereby proclaim February 
                2009 as American Heart Month, and I invite all 
                Americans to participate in National Wear Red Day on 
                February 6, 2009. I also invite the Governors of the 
                States, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, officials of 
                other areas subject to the jurisdiction of the United 
                States, and the American people to join me in 
                recognizing and reaffirming our commitment to fighting 
                cardiovascular disease.

[[Page 6344]]

                 IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                second day of February, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand nine, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
                
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E9-2705
Filed 2-5-09; 11:15 am]
Billing code 3195-W9-P